Alumni Spotlight: Chris Arnella ’01

August 4, 2017

Each month, we shine a light on an alumnus who upholds the legacy and proud tradition of our Academy. In this edition of Alumni Spotlight, we spoke with Chris Arnella ’01, a Vice President and Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management.

From the very beginning, “tradition” had a special meaning for Chris. As a second-generation CBA graduate, he followed in the footsteps of his father Bernard “Bernie” Arnella—CBA Class of 1975, Hall of Fame inductee, and current Director of Plant & Facilities at CBA.

For over 40 years and across dozens of roles, his father worked and continues to work to ensure that the many traditions of the Academy are able to continue. And it was with this great example that Chris came to understand how important it is to uphold tradition, day in and day out.

Arnella saw his Dad most every day at the Academy, during the school day or at the many games he played in. During his time at the Academy, he was a 4-year baseball and basketball player who relished the brotherhood created by both teams. He credits Coaches Martin Kenney (CBA Baseball) and former coach Ed Wicelinski (CBA Basketball) in playing crucial roles in his development.

After CBA

After the Academy, Chris attended Providence College where he earned a degree in Finance in 2005 and earned an opportunity at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management’s New York City office as an intern 13 years ago. Today, he serves as a Financial Advisor and Vice President in that same office. His six-member team is focused on managing approximately $890 million AUM (as of July 2017) through assisting foundations, endowments, and families in obtaining their financial goals.

A notable member of Chris’s team is RBC graduate Meg Dooley ’08, whose twin brother Will (CBA ’08), younger brother Patrick (CBA ’12) and now-husband Ian Sutherland (CBA ’08) all attended CBA. Together, Chris and Meg have launched several online programs and social media initiatives by using the hashtag #TheFinanceStory to better prepare clients for an independent and successful financial future.

Plans for the Next 1, 5 & 10 Years

Within the next 5 years, Chris hopes to be recognized by the financial trade media as a leading financial advisor in his age group. He’s also committed to staying involved with the CBA community and Providence College NYC Alumni Club, and the NY Foundling as a Junior Board member.

The NY Foundling is one of NYC’s oldest nonprofits offering services for underserved children, families and adults with developmental disabilities.

What He Misses Most

In looking back, Arnella misses the bond of brotherhood, as well as being able to see his Dad (and dog Izzy) every day.

Advice for Students & Alumni

For current students, his advice is simple: “keep learning and uphold the traditions of CBA,” said Arnella in an interview. For the alumni young and old, Arnella believes staying engaged is the key to upholding tradition and paving the way for up-and-coming Colts.

“Connect with alumni to hear about their paths to success, ask to shadow them for a day, and talk to them about internships, because CBA is an invaluable network of people who want to help you.”

About Christian Brothers Academy:

Christian Brothers Academy (CBA) is a private, Catholic, academic preparatory school for boys located in Lincroft, New Jersey. CBA’s once-annual Open House event is Sunday, October 1st, 2017 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Prospective students and their families can enjoy a student-led tour, speak with faculty & staff, register for the upcoming Entrance Exam (Oct. 28), and learn what “C-B-A” truly stands for. Learn more at CBA At-A-Glance.